Spurs Writers’ Roundtable: How will Simmons benefit from taking part in All-Star Weekend?

Staff Report

Updated 3:59 pm, Monday, February 13, 2017

Photo: Sue Ogrocki /Associated Press

Image 1of/3

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 3

Jonathon Simmons will compete in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Jonathon Simmons will compete in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Photo: Sue Ogrocki /Associated Press

Image 2 of 3

Spurs’ Tony Parker shoots around the Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki during first half action on Jan. 29, 2017 at the AT&T Center.

Spurs’ Tony Parker shoots around the Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki during first half action on Jan. 29, 2017 at the AT&T Center.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas /San Antonio Express-News

Image 3 of 3

Warriors’ Stephen Curry steals the ball from Cavs’ LeBron James.

Warriors’ Stephen Curry steals the ball from Cavs’ LeBron James.

Photo: Ezra Shaw /Getty Images

Spurs Writers’ Roundtable: How will Simmons benefit from taking part in All-Star Weekend?

1 / 3

Back to Gallery

Each week, the Express-News Spurs coverage team — Jeff McDonald, Jabari Young, Tom Orsborn and Melissa Rohlin — weighs in on the franchise and NBA-related issues of the day. Catch the writers every Sunday night on the E-N’s S.A. Sports Nation Show, which airs on WOAI-TV after Sports Sunday at approximately 11:30 p.m.

What will Jonathan Simmons gain from being part of the All-Star Weekend festivities?

McDonald: As far as career development goes, not much. I’m not sure he’s going to learn anything playing with other rookies and sophomores in an exhibition game. I’m not even sure he gains much in terms of national exposure — unlike, say, the dunk contest, I’m not sure many casual NBA fans are watching this Friday night spectacle. But it ought to be a fun time for Simmons and a recognition for his hard work. He’s the only player in NBA history to go from a D-League open tryout to the Rising Stars game, so that’s a nice storyline at least.

Orsborn: It’s just another chapter in Simmons’ improbable rise from a challenging environment in Houston to NBA fame and fortune, one that will increase his national exposure and further raise his confidence level. It should also whet his appetite for more time on the national stage. So all told, he has a lot to gain and should return to San Antonio with an even greater comfort level. Of course, all of that won’t matter much if he doesn’t continue on the course that’s been charted for him by Gregg Popovich. The Spurs want him to accept his role, play smart basketball and continue to excel at bringing the “juice” off the bench at both ends of the court.

Young: The rookie-sophomore game, a.k.a the Rising Stars Challenge, is on a Friday night, so not much exposure will be generated. Some non-All-Star players, celebrities, fans, etc. are arriving Friday evening; hence, they will miss the game. But Simmons will benefit by gaining more exposure among his fellow colleagues in the NBA. The Spurs are relevant, so it’s not like true basketball people don’t know of Simmons. If he entered the slam-dunk competition, as he was expected to do, and won, Simmons’ name would be enshrined in All-Star Weekend history. Very few people remember what occurred in the Rising Stars Challenge. But for Simmons, a guy many didn’t expect to make it this far, it’s also a chance to enjoy his success and at least one night of a great weekend in the NBA.

Rohlin: Simmons is the first Spurs player to be selected for the Rising Stars Challenge since Kawhi Leonard in 2013. We all know who Leonard developed into — a contender for the NBA’s MVP award, and the two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Hopefully, Simmons will view this validation as motivation to work as hard as Leonard did to improve his game.